Police Scotland’s £1.1 billion annual revenue budget will be protected in real terms, with the government supporting work being carried out by the Scottish Police Authority to “transform” the service, including more specialists in cyber-crime and counter-fraud. There will also be an extra £2m to allow Police Scotland to maintain its ageing estate.

However, it is the Railway Policing Bill which is likely to be the most contentious item among the justice

measures.

Last week the British Transport Police Federation, which represents officers working for the service, said the Scottish Government’s plans would create “inconsistencies” for the millions of passengers who make cross-border journeys each year.

It also warned that BTP officers would be “abstracted” from their duties to “bolster” Police Scotland.

Railway policing is being devolved to the Scottish Parliament under the Scotland Act following a recommendation by the Smith Commission.